53 and 54. Mr. Ted Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity (1) whether she is satisfied that the provisions of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 are being adequately implemented, in view of the fact that 92 per cent. of the local authorities have taken no legal action against employers who contravene the Act; and if she will take steps to ensure its proper implementation;
(2) whether she is satisfied that the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 is being equally and uniformly enforced throughout the country; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's report on the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act for 1968, which commented on the good progress made during the year in implementing the general provisions of the Act. Local authorities normally secure compliance through advice and persuasion, and only rarely is legal action necessary.
The Central Advisory Inspectorate is responsible for giving guidance to local authorities on the interpretation of the Act and ensuring so far as practicable reasonable uniformity in enforcement.